Lessons from America Available to Purchase

Considers that educating about AIDS is a complex process and describes two examples of recent initiatives in AIDS education in America. Looks first at the Condom Availability Programme which is an integral part of an expanded HIV/AIDS education initiative aimed at school‐based HIV/AIDS prevention. Describes the key elements of the initiative and asserts that much can be learnt from it; it is a carefully considered, multi‐agency approach supported by a range of resources. Gives examples of this. Reports on the reaction of the church but considers the introduction of a statutory, comprehensive and well‐structured school‐based programme of AIDS prevention strategies to be responsible and a step that could be usefully emulated in the UK. The second initiative discussed is the operation of a mobile AIDS education unit which focuses on the use of interactive computer games and how they are used. Concludes that health districts and regions in the UK should consider such initiatives when contemplating how to support local education authorities in AIDS prevention work.